Proof-of-concept: The transgenic transformation of \u3ci\u3eMedicago sativa\u3c/i\u3e with \u3ci\u3eAgrobacterium tumefaciens\u3c/i\u3e

The forage plant Medicago sativa, commonly referred to as alfalfa, has great economic value. The introduction of novel DNA sequences of genes into the plant offers the potential for further increasing the plant\u27s value. Using Agrobacterium mediated transformation, a gene cassette (Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35s promoter, β-glucuronidase, and Neomycin Phosphotransferase II) was incorporated into the plant\u27s genome for the purpose of assessing the constitutive and specific tissue expression properties of the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35s promoter. Histochemical staining with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-glucuronide (X-gluc) demonstrated the expression of the novelty cassette with the plants. These stains were confirmed with PCR confirm the presence of the GUS gene